Key holder



Feb. 4, 1 Mq BENNETT 2,029,696

KEY HOLDER Filed Jan. 2, 1954 IN VEN 'roR dwf/1 f7. Bl/MUT 'ATTQRNEY Patented Feb. 4, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 3 Claims.

My invention relates to a new, useful improvement in a key holder, having a pair of spaced members between which the key may be inserted and relates particularly to the key engaging means whereby the key is swivelly mounted between the spaced members. Itis an object of the present invention to provide a key engaging member which will serve to swivelly mount the key between a pair of spaced members and which will permit an easy and ready insertion of the key into position between the spaced members and its removal therefrom.

It is another object of the present invention to provide in a key holder of this class a movable retaining means constructed and arranged so as to move into inoperative position upon excessive strain or thrust being delivered thereto.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a spring retaining member having a retaining portion thereon provided with inclined engagement sides so as to cause a exlng of the same upon pressure being inserted upon the engagement sides.

Other objects will appear hereinafter.

The invention consists in the combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter described and claimed.

The invention will be best understood by reference to the accompanying drawing which forms a part of this specification and in which,

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of the invention with parts removed.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken on line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a. sectional view taken on line 3-3 of Fig. 1.

In the drawing I have shown a key holder comprising a centrally positioned supporting plate or body I, cut away at the portions 8 and 9, and at each of which is positioned U-shaped latch members I I, each carrying on its legs a presser button I2 or I3, whereby the same may be ilexed inwardly to disengage the latch nose I4 from a key I5, which is adapted to be swung into position between the plate 1 and the side plates I8 and I9, which are mounted on opposite sides thereof in spaced relation thereto.

Flexible springs I6 are adapted to engage the key I5, so as to force the same outwardly from between the supporting plate 1 and the side plate I8, upon release of the latch I4. This key is swivelly mounted between the supporting plate I and one of the side or cover plates I9, and the means for mounting the key swivelly in such position forms the present invention. In the present embodiment of my invention, I have indicated a key holder adapted for support for four keys, but the number of keys used or supported on the device may be varied as is obvious from a consideration of the drawing. The key retainer illustrated .comprises a spring shank 20 which is secured to the supporting body and projected so as to overlie an opening 2| formed therein. The free end of the spring member is provided with a head 22, having an inclined outer surface 23 and an in- 10 clined peripheral surface on its inner end, which is more abrupt than the surface 23. 'I'he construction is such that as the key is forced inwardly between the body 'I and the plate I 8, the

end of the key will ride over the surface 23, thus causing the shank to ilex inwardly into the opening 2l, and permitting the head 22 to snap into the opening formed in the end of the key. When an outward thrust is delivered to the key after the head 22 is engaged in the opening, the key will ride over the surface 24, again exing the shank 20 inwardly into the opening 2l. On account of the sharp incline of the surface 24, however, a greater strain will be necessary to detach the key than to attach it. 25

I have provided a means for easily and quickly mounting the key swivelly between one of the side plates and the supporting plate, while at the same time, permitting easy removal of the key. Thus, it is obvious that 'no removal of the side plates I8 or I9 is necessary in order to insert a key or remove it.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred form of construction, I do not wish to limit myself to the precise details of structure shown, but desire to avail myself of such variations and modiiications as come within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a key holder of the class described a supporting body; a pair of side plates each mounted in spaced relation to one of the side faces of said supporting body, said supporting body having an opening formed therein; a resilient member' mounted, adjacent one end, on said supporting body and extended to overlie, at its opposite end, said opening and having at said opening a head for providing a support for mounting a key swingably between said supporting body and said plates and projectable at the head bearing end into said opening for permitting the movement of said head to inoperative position.

2. In a key holder of the class described a supporting body having an opening formed therein; side plaies mounted on opposite sides o! said supporting body in spaced relation thereto; a resilient member mounted, adjacent one end, on said supporting body and projected over said opening and having a head bearing portion projecting outwardly toward the inner face of each of said side plates to provide a swivel support for a key, and projectable at the head bearing portion into said opening for permitting the movement of said head into inoperative position.

3. In a. key holder of the class described, a. supporting body having an opening formed therein; side plates mounted on opposite sides of said sup- 

